Nigerians Mourn Edwin Clark, Celebrate his legacy

Nigerians have continued to eulogise and celebrate the legacies of Chief Edwin Clark, the revered Niger Delta leader and Nigerian nationalist, who died on February 17th at the age of 97. His death, following closely on the heels of Afenifere leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s, has been widely touted as marking the end of an era of exceptional Nigerian patriots.
From Lagos to Abuja, Kiagbodo to Ijebu Oke, Port Harcourt to Warri, tributes have poured in, extolling the virtues and contributions of both Clark and Adebanjo.
President Bola Tinubu, who led the tributes, acknowledged Clark as a “passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu recognized Clark’s nearly six decades of political influence, his courage in standing against injustice, and his dedication to the rights of the Niger Delta people, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Clark as a fearless elder statesman who confronted injustice, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo lamented the loss of his wise counsel and rich experience during a crucial time in national development.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emphasized Clark’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness, urging leaders to immortalize him by upholding these values.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged Clark’s life of service and dedication to justice, stating that his voice “will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Southern Governors Forum, and the Northern States Governors’ Forum all issued statements recognizing Clark’s contributions to democracy, constitutional development, and the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed also paid tribute, highlighting Clark’s role as a beacon of hope, a father figure, and a symbol of integrity.
Other prominent figures, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, and Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, expressed their condolences and acknowledged Clark’s dedication to justice, peace, and national unity.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ijaw National Congress, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, The Patriots, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, the Middle Belt Forum, and numerous other organizations and individuals also paid tribute to Clark’s legacy.
The Nigerian Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to honor Clark by naming a national monument after him, recognizing his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and the rights of the Niger Delta people.
Clark’s family, in a statement announcing his passing, detailed his remarkable career as a teacher, lawyer, politician, and philanthropist. His dedication to education and social development, exemplified by the Edwin Clark Foundation and Edwin Clark University, was also highlighted.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Clark as a distinguished patriot and a relentless advocate for justice and equity.
PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali praised Clark as a tireless advocate for human rights, while Ijaw National Congress President Prof. Benjamin Okaba emphasized his irreplaceable qualities of integrity and courage.
Chief Clark’s life of service, dedication to justice, and advocacy for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole will leave an enduring legacy for generations to come.